{yay}

My beautiful boy, my bestest buddy is OK.  He has an overactive thyroid and will need daily treatement for the rest of his life, but he is just fine.  No scary terminal illnesses and no impossible or unaffordable treatment regimes.  Yay!

Speaking of best buds, I wrote a little something about friendship over at I Saw You Dancing today.  I've learned so much about friendship this year, both good and hard lessons.  But this recent discovery is definitely a good lesson.  Yay!

Can you believe another Blogtoberfest finishes tomorrow?  I have so enjoyed taking this year off.  I think it's given me just the break I needed to rejuvenate my passion and enthusiasm for it next year.  Yay!

Hope your world is full of yays today!

{back, sort of}

The holiday has been and gone, over all too soon.

Sydney treated us well. Really great food and wine, good times with family and friends, lots of relaxing and plenty of time to explore my new found love of art journaling and watercolours.

I could use another couple of weeks before throwing myself back into daily life.  Alas Monday is coming and coming quickly!

{nothing to see here}

All the Blogtoberfest action is happening over at I Saw You Dancing.  Quick!  Scoot on over there and join in the fun.

I'll be back in a couple of days.

{booked}

If you follow me on Instagram {I'm @tinniegirl over there of course} then you'll already know that I've been obsessed with making books lately.  I'm really enjoying learning a new skill and indulging a different creative outlet.  It's one of the rewards of letting go of my business - I have more time for play.  And I love it.

Here's a few pics of my adventures with book binding.

I've also taken to a bit of guerrilla sewing action and made a pouch for one of them.  It's been a long time since me and the sewing machine have seen eye-to-eye, but I'm having lots of fun with it too.  Especially this fly by the seat of my pants, no rules kind of sewing.  I like it!!!

If you're interested in a fun course on book-making I've been taking Mary Ann Moss's Full Tilt Boogie.  I've taken one of her e-courses before and I definitely think she is one of the best online teachers around.  There's also no time limit on the course - once you sign up you can take your time working through the course material.  It's great.  It's always been one of my biggest disappointments with many of the e-courses I've taken - having to rush through content, trying to keep up with a ridiculous posting schedule and a limited time frame for completing the course.  Who wants to be harried and stressed when you're supposed to be having creative fun.  Anyway, Mary Ann has an awesome blog.  Totally worth checking out.

Speaking of awesome, momentum is gathering over at I Saw You Dancing in preparation for Blogtoberfest.  If you haven't caught the news, I'm taking a year off hosting and Kat is stepping up to the plate.  I'm so excited.  I know she's going to rock it.

Speaking of more awesome, have you seen the Blogtoberfest button that CurlyPops designed.  Love, love, love.  That chick blows me away with her talents.  Pop over here to grab your button and sign up.

{sunday snippets}

{sunday snippets} A collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story. Pop your link below if you're joining in.

*****

Did you see yesterday's news about Blogtoberfest?

{blogtoberfest news}

 I HAVE BIG AND EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!

If you're new to these parts and have no idea what Blogtoberfest is you might want to pop over to the Blogtoberfest page and get yourself acquainted.  For all you regulars read on.

Last Blogtober I realised it was time to make some changes.

"Blogtoberfest will be back next year.  I love it and I'm committed to it, for it's longevity alone.  For the way it brings people together, for the new connections it creates, for the noticing it brings.  However, it's also time for me to let go of the reigns a little and invite some new energy into this space."

I've been thinking about it for most of this year and toying with different ideas about how to bring that new energy to Blogtoberfest.  I'm so excited to tell you that for 2012 Blogtoberfest is moving to a new space.

My gorgeous friend Kat and her delightful blog I Saw You Dancing will be hosting this year's Blogtoberfest.

Here's what Kat has to say about being the hostess with the mostess for 2012:

"It is a pleasure and a privilege to host Blogtoberfest in 2012, while Cathy takes a well-earned break.  I am really looking forward to reconnecting with seasoned Blogtober participants, as well as seeing new faces.  This year, as well as usual chance to sign up and meet other Blogtober bloggers -- and even host a giveaway, if you'd like to spread the love! -- there will be daily prompts posted on my blog to keep your blogging mojo up. I'm really excited that a number of wonderful guest bloggers will be joining me to offer you insight and inspiration over the course of the month.

I am so grateful for Cathy for entrusting me with her baby, and can't wait to meet you all and having some juicy creative fun during the month of Blogtober!

Any help you can offer me spreading the word will be greatly appreciated!"

Thanks Kat.  I'm absolutely thrilled that you'll be hosting Blogtoberfest this year and bringing your own special magic to it.  I know it's going to be amazing.

And of course the ever fabulous CurlyPops will be helping Kat out, and playing an extra special role in this year's festivities.  But I'm not saying another word.  Head on over to I Saw You Dancing for all the news and action.

{we're off, and a giveaway}

Ms L and I are off to the house of retro goodness for a week. A week of no plans.  A week of seeing where the wind blows us.  Sure, there's books to read and dreaming to be done, vision boards to be played with, thoughts of swimming and walking and maybe a glass of vino.  But we'll see where the breeze takes us.  My favourite kind of holiday.

I thought I'd leave you with a little giveaway, to tide you over till I get back.  If you recall back during Blogtoberfest, the good folk over at zip-zip gave me some very excellent USBs to giveaway just because I asked nicely.  Well, those guys happen to have some really groovy friends over at Blockshop and they've given me some fun giveaways too.

If you haven't come across Nanoblocks they're the coolest things ever.  Miniature blocks to build cute things with.  Go and check them out.

I have 3 sets to giveaway.  Leave a comment telling me your favourite kind of holiday and I'll draw winners when I get back.

Have a lovely week peeps.

**************************************************

Registration for Your Awesome Year closes on Thursday.  We've still got a couple of places left if you're interested.  All the details are here or you can register right here.

{strange days, endings, beginnings and a giveaway - blogtoberfest day XXXI}

There was a song we used to sing when I was little:

There was an old man called Michael Finnigan

He grew whiskers on his chinigan

The wind came along and blew them in again

Poor old Michael Finnigan, 

begin again

{repeat}

It's been playing over and over in my head as I've been thinking about blogtoberfest coming to an end.  The ways things can start over and over again.  The number of times I've posted on this blog about beginnings.  The cycle of endings and beginnings.

I don't think there's ever been a Blogtober where I haven't felt a sense of things changing around and within me.  I'm not sure if it's simply the arrival of Spring and it's inherent regeneration, the taking time to notice and reassess that seems to come hand in hand with the practice of {almost}daily blogging, or just pure coincidence {if you believe in such things}.

This Blogtober has been the most challenging so far.  It's been the first time in four years where I haven't actually managed to blog everyday.  There was no way through.  I was running on empty, and ultimately my body gave in on me and there was nothing to do but surrender. It wasn't really about blogging, but everthing about how much I was trying to hold.  How much I'm always holding.  And all the stuff underneath.

Blogtoberfest will be back next year.  I love it and I'm committed to it, for it's longevity alone.  For the way it brings people together, for the new connections it creates, for the noticing it brings.  However, it's also time for me to let go of the reigns a little and invite some new energy into this space.  I want to build a blogtoberfest team.  A group of creative souls who will help me take this little festival of ours to it's next incarnation.  If you would like to be part of the team please email me at tinniegirl/at/optusnet.com.au.  I don't know what you'll be signing up for and we won't even begin the conversation about it until sometime next year.  But I'd love to have you.  I know that both Blogtoberfest and I need you.

Thank you, again, for being part of my journey.  For riding these waves of growth, hope, defeat and renewal.  For being with me through the beginnings and endings, the seasons of my life.  I feel profoundly changed by and grateful for your presence in my life.

*****************************************

I've decided to save the grand finale giveaway until tomorrow.  Beginning of a new month and all!

{sunday snippets - blogtoberfest day XXX}

Are you joining in this week?

************************************

Please forgive me if you've emailed me recently {including the giveaway winners} and are still waiting to hear back from me.  I'm a little swamped with some good stuff and some shit stuff just at the minute.  I'll get back to you soon.  I promise.

PS.  Thanks CurlyPops for keeping the campfire burning yesterday.

See you tomorrow for the Blogtoberfest wrap and that super special giveaway that Cam hinted at yesterday.

{psssst: a super sneaky post - blogtoberfest day XXIX}

Well hello there Dear Blogtoberfesters.... it's me CurlyPops

I'm taking over to write a little super sneaky blog post, because poor {tinniegirl} is internet-less. It seems that the gremlins that interrupted my supply on Thursday, have now travelled North.

I really want to tell you about a super fabulous giveway that is happening right here in this space, to celebrate the grand finale of Blogtoberfest for this year.

Amongst the prizes is a fat-quarter of my Go Granny Fabric.

There's lots more to come..... stay tuned peeps!

{words: a list - blogtoberfest day XXVIII}

A random collection of words that I'm carrying with me right now:

I am a woman on a mission, whoa

Nothing can stop me, I'm stronger than ever

I wanna see this through

I am a woman on a mission, whoa

Whatever it takes, I'll do what I gotta do

                                            On A Mission - Gabriella Cilmi 

These two posts by Goddess Leonie blew me away.  Take the time to read all 11,000 words. I don't have children and I don't intend to experience birth first hand but  I promise you there is a message for you, for every single one of you in these words.

I found this post by Lori Portka.  It's like she took the words I've been trying to articulate for weeks now and just wrote them down for me.  And then she added some advice to guide me on my way.  Everything I needed to say and everything I needed to hear right there just waiting for me.

So raise your glass if you are wrong, in all the right ways,
all my underdogs, 

we will never be never be anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on and come on and raise your glass,
                                          Raise Your Glass - Pink

More real - here, here, here and here.  I know, I keep talking about it, but I can't get enough of the real at the moment.    I've been living a 'groundhog day' kind of existence these past 5 months.  Trying to numb myself to the enduring and overwhelming sense of mediocrity that has been taking over my life.  I am only just seeing the cost of that survival.  How I've had to silence myself.  How in order not to scream I've hardly been able to speak. Of dreams, hope, fear, hopelessness, envy, sadness, confusion, of how my heart has been breaking.  No more I say.  No more.

No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life

                                         Wonderful Life - Tina Cousins

Words from me, to me and to you today: you are perfect, exactly the way you are.

Lastly, I'm sharing words over at Your Heart Makes a Difference today.

*************************************************

Can you believe blogtoberfest is almost over?  It's been a blur this time around, but I'll save my reflections for Monday.

Pop round tomorrow though.  I've got another seriously kick ass giveaway for you.

{simple pleasures - blogtoberfest day XXVI}

Catching up with a great friend for the first time in years.  Don't you love how with some people it's like no time has passed at all.  Good conversation, Indian food and a glass of luscious red.

Excuse me, gotta get back to it.

{and so it goes - blogtoberfest day XXV}

Inspired by Susannah's post, which I mentioned yesterday, and the idea of bring more authenticity and 'real' back to this space here's my list:

Good stuff

• Spending the WHOLE day out of bed.  The simplest things can bring so much joy.
• Taking a 20 minute walk.   The first exercise I've done in 3 weeks.
• Seeing my former personal trainer today and the first words out of her mouth being OMFG on seeing how much weight I've lost.  Almost 10kg now!  That's without being able to exercise too.  Just a firm resolve and a totally new relationship with food. Feels so, so good!
• Getting a second glimpse of the super secret squirrel business I'm collaborating on.   It is blowing my mind, and completely changing the way I see my art forever.  I can't wait to spill the beans and it's not too far away now.
• More work on getting my Etsy shop re-opened.  Feels great to be getting ready to put my creative self back out in the world.
• An upcoming skype date with two fabulous women.
• Getting some major blogging mojo back.
• Hanging on to my positive outlook despite all the shit stuff.

Shit stuff:

• Ms L coming down with the lurgy!  We are seriously praying that it does not become a bout of bronchitis for her too!
• 7 days of no pay for me and 4 days of no pay for Ms L this fortnight.  It's going to be a tough month.
• Feeling some days like we might never do anything but merely get by in this lifetime.  All the dreams of a creative business, a life of travel and adventure, spending my days doing work I love can feel so completely out of reach.
• Chronic illness.
• Suspecting that my blogging and all other mojo may disappear on returning to work tomorrow.
• Having to work so damn hard to stay positive.

How about you?  Do you want to make a list?  Leave your link if you do so we can come take a look.

PS.  You don't have to swear like me!!!!

{random - blogtoberfest day XXIV}

A gratuitous cat shot makes for a nice post don't you think?

I spent more hours out of bed today.  Feeling very pleased about that.

Being so sick has had me thinking a lot about being being real and being positive, and how to balance these two things in this space.  I thought Susannah Conway did a nice job of it here.  I also really liked what Kat said in this post about how our struggles connect us.

In other news I'm going to be a regular contributor to a new project that Louise Gale has launched.  Your HeART Makes a Difference is all about living with gratitude, practicing self-care and kindness, creativity and spreading positivity and happiness throughout the world.  I'm so excited to be part of this collaboration.  Go and explore the website and join in.

I'm super excited about another collaboration that I'm working on at the moment.  It's so incredibly awesome and I can't wait to spill the beans.  It's total super secret squirrel business at the moment though.  Stay tuned.

It's about time I announced some giveaway winners.  Michele from Just Pipi, Nettie, Erin_in_Boston and Anna from sew and read you've all won yourselves a fancy schmancy new USB thanks to the good folk at Zip Zip.  Email me at tinniegirl/at/optusnet.com.au with your address and any particular colour preference {red, green, blue and yellow} and I'll pop your prize in the post.  I only have one of each colour so first email gets first preference, etc.

I've got another super dooper giveaway coming up.  You won't want to miss this one either.

I've got a million other things that I want to get working on when I get my energy back.  I've got my first solo gallery exhibition coming up in February 2012 {which ain't all that far away}, I'm itching to create some new paintings that are floating around in my head {it's been way too long since I've painted regularly}, I've got plans and ideas {always} and some other collaborations, and I want to get my Etsy shop reopened in the next couple of weeks.  See, I don't have time to be sick or go to the day job!

Will you look at that!  A whole blog post!  Just like that!  It seems I really may be back from beyond.  Yippee!!!!!!

{back from beyond - blogtoberfest day XXIII}

Hello peeps!  I seem to finally be on the mend.  Ever so slowly but surely.  Boy oh boy, has this one knocked me for six.  I can't remember being this sick in a very long time. 

I didn't manage any {sunday snippets} today.  Nor did I manage to draw winners of the giveaway yet {which means you can still enter here}.

But I made it here to my little blog and that feels like an achievement today.  I also managed to spend a couple of hours out of bed and took a slow walk around the block.  All good signs.

Not sure if I'll be back tomorrow, and I very much doubt that I'll return to daily blogging for the remainder of the month, but I will return soon.

Thanks for all your lovely well wishes.  They really buoyed me through the last few days.

{zip-a-dee-doo-dah - a giveaway, and a temporary farewell - blogtoberfest day XIX}

This is one of those great stories of ask and thou shalt receive.  I was sitting in my studio a few Sundays back thinking that I wanted a new USB stick and I remembered the really fab one I bought Ms L a few years back.

Image courtesy of zip-zip

I was at the Design Market at Fed Square when I first came across Zip-Zip.  The coolest USB stick on the block.  As I was browsing their website thinking about buying myself one I had a different thought.

Image courtesy of zip-zip

So I wrote to the company and told them about a little thing called Blogtoberfest and asked them if they might consider donating one for a giveaway.  It can't hurt to ask I thought.  I got an email in response saying they'd love to help out with four Zip-Zips for me to giveaway.  How fantastic is that?

Image courtesy of zip-zip

If you would like to win your very own fabulous Zip-Zip USB stick in either red, yellow, blue or green all you need to do is leave a comment.

I'll draw winners on Saturday.  Go....

******************************************

In other news I'm very sorry to say that I'm going to have to take a couple of days off Blogtoberfest.  I have been trying with all my heart to continue blogging through a very nasty bout of bronchitis.  The truth is I'm not feeling particularly festive at all.  I'm actually exhausted and I need to rest body, mind and soul.  I don't even have the energy to organise some guest posts or to manage a daily photo.  So I will bid you farewell until Saturday and will see how things are then.  Keep the campfire burning for me won't you?

{i heart Ms L - blogtoberfest day XVIII}

From my heart to yours.

Happy birthday Ms L, aka Dr Doc!

{um, no thanks - blogtoberfest day XVII}

It seemed obvious to me that they were destined to be mates.

They're practically twins, right down to their sweet ginger noses.

But no, she's not having a bar of him!

{here's one I prepared earlier - self-portrait challenge - blogtoberfest day XVI}

This one was taken a few weeks back at the Montalto Vineyard sculpture park.  Happy and relaxed, enjoying the sunshine.

Today's self-portrait would look pretty similar to yesterdays.  In bed, in my sleepwear, bed hair and a worn look on my face.  I wish this lurgy would go away now.

Are you joining me today in the self-portrait challenge? Pop your link in below.

{i heart Ric-Rac & Baxter - blogtoberfest day XV}

I'm not sure when I first came across Baxter.  I trawled through Jodie's blog looking for her very first post about him but I couldn't find it.  It's enough to tell you that it was love at very first sight.

Today Ms L arrived home from a trip down the street with a parcel in hand!  Ric-Rac has been conspiring with Ms L and CurlyPops to surprise me....

My very own Baxter to love and to cherish.  And trust me, I already do.

We've been getting acquainted and enjoyed a spot of lunch {courtesy of Melbourne Epicure - it was absolutely divine Cathie}.

Thank you soooooooooooooooo much Jodie.  You are the best {and you saved me from a total Blogtoberfest fail cause I had absolutely nothing to say today}.

*******************************************

If you don't know Jodie you should definitely pop over and visit her blog.  As well as being generally awesome she's also extremely funny and extraordinarily talented.  We've know each other though blogging for quite some years now and she's definitely one of my favourite peeps.

******************************************* 

Tomorrow will be self-portrait day here on the blog {replacing Sunday Snippets for this week}.  Over the last year or so I've become quite interested in putting myself in front of the camera more and really love taking self portraits.  I've just signed up for Vivienne McMaster's You Are Your Own Muse, which feels like such a gift to myself at the moment.

Last year Karin from Sum of Mum suggested we all do a self-portrait on our blogs during Blogtoberfest. I posted mine here.  Join me tomorrow with your own self-portrait.  I'll put a linky list up for everyone who's playing along.  I know this was a big challenge for some people last year and I would love to see your lovely faces again this year.  If you're too, too shy you can always be creative and take a self-portrait of your feet, or maybe your hands, or maybe you've got some other great idea.

See you tomorrow?